In spite of AKD - Modi talks: Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters continue

• 33 Indian fishermen arrested during weekend
• A record 535 Indian fishermen were arrested by Sri Lanka in 2024 — nearly double the previous year​

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

The issue of Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters remains a persistent challenge, as evidenced by the recent arrest of 33 Indian fishermen caught engaging in illegal fishing during the weekend.   

The fishermen were arrested by the Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard during special operations conducted in the sea area north of Mannar. 

Despite continued patrols and operations by Sri Lankan Navy and the Coast Guard, the poaching activities, particularly the use of destructive bottom trawlers, continue to strain both countries’ relations and the livelihoods of local Sri Lankan fishermen.   

A record 535 Indian fishermen were arrested by Sri Lanka in 2024 — nearly double the previous year — according to Indian government data.   

The contentious issue was discussed during the recent visit to India by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the President raised concerns about the use of bottom trawlers by Indian fishermen and their encroachment into Sri Lankan waters.   

President Dissanayake called for a sustainable and long-term solution, emphasizing the harmful impact of bottom trawling on the local fishing industry.   

The Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard continue to conduct regular patrols and operations in Sri Lankan waters to curb illegal fishing practices of foreign fishing boats, taking into account the impact of such practices on the livelihoods of local fishermen. Navy said as an extension of these operations, the North Central Naval Command spotted a cluster of Indian fishing boats engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters during the dark hours of 25 Jan and the wee hours of 26 January. In response, the Northern Naval Command and Coast Guard deployed their Fast Attack Craft and the North Central Naval Command its Inshore Patrol Craft to drive away these Indian fishing boats poaching in the sea area north of Talaimannar.  

The operations resulted in the seizure of three Indian fishing boats and the apprehension of 33 Indian fishermen who continued to remain in Sri Lankan waters. The seized boats (03) together with the Indian fishermen (33) were brought to the island of Iranativu and they will be handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries, Kilinochchi for onward legal proceedings.